iPodology: the new kid on the block

Abstract

Podcasting, which originated as a technology to create and distribute personal radio shows on the Internet, is now becoming a technology to support learning in many educational contexts. In this paper, we introduce podcasting as a learning technology, and discuss four approaches to using podcasting to support formal higher education, a key stage of an individual’s lifelong learning process. These podcasting approaches have been developed to support: transition from school to university; acquiring good learning and study skills; online and independent learning, and; learning at a distance. Following a brief overview of the definitions of podcasting as they apply in educational contexts, and a review of the current use of podcasting for learning, this paper outlines the methodology for developing podcasting approaches. It then briefly describes the four approaches to support student learning. Each approach has been developed to address a specific teaching and learning challenge. We invite practitioners to adopt these approaches and develop their own podcasts to address similar or different teaching and learning challenges.